The increase of cassava production in Colombia and other areas may result in an increase in pest problems. Two major economic pests that can reduce yields and starch quality are the cassava hornworm (Erinnyis ello) and the burrower bug (Cyrtomenus bergi). The latter can also cause considerable damage on other crops such as peanut, onion, and maize. Farmer reaction to outbreaks of these two pests often results in excessive and ill-timed applications of toxic chemical pesticides.

Recent research indicates that a viable alternative to pesticides is biologically controlling these pests through entomopathogens. However, the development and use of "biopesticides" is often restricted and not available to farmers. CIAT and BIOTROPICAL S.A., a commercial biopesticide company, have developed a collaborative relationship to study, evaluate, and formulate entomopathogenic pesticides for commercial purposes.

During 2003, two commercial products were made available: Bio-Virus and Bio-Rhizium-c to control the cassava hornworm and the burrower bug, respectively. The former is a baculovirus isolated from E. ello, while the latter is an isolate of the fungal entomopathogen Metarhizium anisopliae, identified from CIAT's collection. Both products are commercially available to farmers.

Contact: Anthony Bellotti